New England Governors Press Congress On Heating Oil Program

The governors of all six New England states have signed a letter urging Congress to support a federal program aimed at helping lower-income families and seniors cover their home heating costs. The governors are asking Congress to approve $3.6 billion for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which they describe as ``a critical bridge for Americans `` who otherwise may be forced to ``choose between paying home energy bills and paying for food, medicine, or other essentials.'' The governors say that the $3.6 billion request is lower than similar appropriations in recent years.